Leading Mediator Accreditation
The Leading Mediator accreditation is the highest level of AMDRAS accreditation. It formally recognises mediators who demonstrate years of sustained practice, leadership in the sector, and an active contribution to the mediation profession.
Applications are invited from highly experienced practitioners seeking formal recognition of their standing.
Why Become a Leading Mediator?
Leading Mediator accreditation offers meaningful benefits to highly experienced practitioners ready to take on a formal leadership role in the profession.
Gain formal recognition for your years of experience and expertise — the highest level of AMDRAS accreditation acknowledging your sustained contribution to the practice of mediation
A platform for formal recognition of your leadership and contributions to supporting the ongoing professional development of other practitioners in the mediation community
Join a senior community of practitioners who support professional standards and guide the ongoing development of mediation practice in Australia
The Six Core Requirements
All applications through Mediation Institute must meet these six requirements.
10 Years of Accreditation
Continuous NMAS or AMDRAS accreditation for at least 10 years. Applications under the special cl 16(c) frameworks must be submitted before 30 June 2031.
Practice Hours
At least 400 hours of mediation practice since accreditation, including 250 hours in the preceding 6 years. Ongoing requirement: 40 hours every 2 years to retain Leading Mediator status.
Practicum Certificate
A Practicum Certificate from a RAP or RTP, or Advanced Mediator accreditation by alternative pathway. A portfolio of reflective practice may substitute where the Practicum is not held.
Evidence of Leadership
Demonstrated contribution to mentoring, coaching, training, or supervision of other practitioners, with supporting logs and evidence.
Two References
One from an experienced practitioner (≥ 8 years on the National Register); one from a person who can speak to how you have contributed to the profession and to other practitioners beyond your own caseload — through mentoring, training, leadership in a professional community, or recognised expertise within a particular field or region.
Panel Interview
As the final approval step, you will be interviewed by a panel of two or more experienced independent mediators (minimum 8 years on the National Register, or equivalent experience as an RTP trainer or assessor), who confirm your suitability for Leading Mediator accreditation.
Am I Eligible?
Tick each criterion you currently meet to check your readiness to apply. All six must be met to submit an application through the Mi pathway.
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10 years of NMAS or AMDRAS accreditation Applications through the cl 16(c) special framework pathway must be submitted before 30 June 2031. After that date, the standard AMDRAS clause 16 pathway applies.
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400 practice hours (including 250 in the last 6 years) You have completed at least 400 hours of mediation practice since accreditation, with at least 250 hours in the past 6 years. Evidence of your practice hours will be discussed as part of the application process.
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Practicum Certificate (or an approved alternative pathway) You hold a Practicum Certificate issued by a RAP or RTP, or Advanced Mediator accreditation by alternative pathway. Applicants without a Practicum Certificate may submit a portfolio of reflective practice evidence.
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Evidence of mentoring, coaching, or training other practitioners An ongoing contribution to developing other mediators — such as mentoring at least 2 mediators for at least 12 hours each, providing supervision, or delivering advanced mediation training.
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Two written references One from an experienced independent practitioner (minimum 8 years on the National Register), and one from a person who can speak to how you have contributed to the mediation profession and to other practitioners in ways that go beyond your own caseload — whether through mentoring, training, leadership in a professional community, or recognised expertise within a particular field or region.
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Willingness to participate in a panel interview As the final approval step, you will be interviewed by a panel of two or more experienced independent mediators who confirm your suitability.
Mi Application Process
There are three pathways for applying through Mediation Institute.
Direct application through Mediation Institute
For applicants who hold a Practicum Certificate (or Advanced Mediator accreditation by alternative pathway) and meet all five core requirements.
- Complete the online application form through the Mi portal
- Upload your practice logs, CPD evidence, and two written references
- Submit your contribution statement (500–800 words) describing how you have contributed to the profession and to other practitioners beyond your own caseload
- Participate in the panel review and interview
- Receive written feedback and outcome within approximately 30 days
Application through another AMDRAS-approved organisation
If you hold accreditation with another AMDRAS-approved organisation (such as Resolution Institute, Victorian Bar, VADR, or others), you may be eligible to apply through that organisation's special framework — each with its own specific requirements.
Compare all 10 special frameworks
See side-by-side eligibility requirements for all approved organisations — including years of accreditation, practice hours, interview requirements, and more.
View framework comparison →For applicants without a Practicum Certificate
If you do not hold a Practicum Certificate but meet all other requirements, you may submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating reflective practice and leadership activity. The portfolio must include one or more of the following activities, each undertaken within the past 2 years. Each activity has a minimum of 20 hours — but you only need to meet the threshold for the activity or activities you choose.
Accepted portfolio activities (choose one or more):
- Structured reflective practice facilitation — e.g. facilitated group case reviews or individual debriefing sessions (min. 20 hours)
- Professional supervision — providing or receiving (min. 20 hours)
- Training advanced or specialist mediation skills — not COT training (min. 20 hours)
- Mentoring emerging mediators — not COT students (min. 20 hours: 2 mentees × 10 hours each)
- Coaching emerging mediators — not COT students (min. 20 hours: 2 mediators × 10 hours each)
- Other pre-approved leadership activity — contact Mi before applying to discuss the proposed evidence (min. 20 hours)
Include activity logs and endorsements from supervisees, mentees, or event organisers, plus a portfolio statement of no more than 500 words.
Ready to Apply?
Gather your practice logs, references, CPD evidence, and portfolio (if applicable),
then start your application through the Mi online portal.
Questions? Contact us at office@mediationinstitute.edu.au